The 110th Annual American International Toy Fair…
Setting foot into the Toy Industry Association’s Annual Toy Fair in New York City has always been a head spinning experience. There are so many visual enticements to report on. This year is no different in it’s “where do I look first” excitement. Fortunately during our last few expeditions Ken Pierce of the PiercingMetal webzine and I have been able to hone a sense of the collectibles readers are clamoring to see. You can expect lots of photos and information in the days, weeks, and months to come from us both.

What It Is…
Toy Fair is a gigantic industry-only event that encompasses the entire span of the Jacob Javits Convention Center on two floors. It’s where and when toy manufacturers from all over the world unveil their newest products and book the sales for the year-end holiday season. It’s center stage for all things fun, but it’s also serious bottomline business. That said, I’d like to thank the vendors who took time out of their schedules to offer a look at their merchandise for your enjoyment. In many cases – where permitted – you will be getting an insider’s view of prototypes for proposed products or license/tie-in items yet to be approved. I hope you enjoy the upcoming posts.

Toy of the Year Awards Go To…

Recognizing an outstanding toy that inspires creative play through various forms of activity, the Activity Toy of the Year was presented to LEGO® Friends(The LEGO Group)

Recognizing an app-cessory or other physical toy that interacts with a smartphone, tablet or gaming device the e-Connected Toy of the Year was presented toSkylanders Giants™(Activision Publishing, Inc.)

Recognizing an outstanding toy that helps children develop special skills and knowledge through play, the Educational Toy of the Year was presented to LeapPad2™(LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.)

Recognizing an outstanding children’s board, card, CD-ROM or electronic game, the Game of the Year was presented toPerplexus Epic™(PlaSmart Inc.)

Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for girls of any age, the Girl Toy of the Year was presented to LEGO® Friends(The LEGO Group)

Recognizing an outstanding toy developed for infants and toddlers up to 36 months, the Infant/Toddler Toy of the Year was presented to Tranquil Turtle™(Cloud b)

Recognizing an outstanding toy that combines innovation and play value, the Innovative Toy of the Year was presented toDigital Light Designer (Crayola)

Recognizing an outstanding toy that is designed for outdoor play, the Outdoor Toy of the Year was presented to The Original Big Wheel™ (Kids Only, Inc., a division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc.)